One of the absolute culinary highlights of my recent trip to the Dalmatian Coast. Pellegrini is in Šibenik, about an hour’s drive from Split. It boasts one Michelin Star, and I don’t think I’m on my own in arguing that it probably deserves another. Chef and owner Rudi Stefan serves modern fare, but it’s reserved enough to still be clearly and wonderfully Croatian. The focus is very much on local and seasonal produce, and the tasting menu allows guests to design their own meal, selecting the exact dishes they’d like to try. The wine list is an experience on its own, comprising a unique and fascinating range of varietals that many would never have heard of. Those keen to learn as much as they can about wine from Dalmatia certainly won’t regret the wine-matching option. You can even pair your meal with wines created specifically for the restaurant.

Not too far from Pellegrini is Konoba Vinko. ‘Konoba’ is the Croatian word for tavern, and along the Dalmatian coast they’re pretty much always family operated, usually serving fantastic traditional cuisine. Konoba Vinko is a beautiful example, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients and flavours. It’s hard to go past the spit-roasted suckling pig – but for those who prefer to graze, be sure to try Croatia’s famous Drniš prosciutto with some Velebit cheese. Traditional cuisine at its best.

With Ruinart and black truffles on the menu, Konoba Boba might not be as humble as some of the other trattorias listed here, but that’s certainly not a criticism. Chef and owner Vjeko Bašić, who was this year crowned Gault&Millau’s Croatian Chef of the Year, takes pride in giving the traditional roots of Croatian cuisine a contemporary expression on the plate. Seafood is most certainly the star here (try it raw however you can). Located in the centre of Murter, the restaurant comprises 50 seats inside and another 80 in a large Mediterranean garden outside – the perfect spot to peruse the 200-strong wine list, 40 of which are available by the glass.

Located inside the walls of the Diocletian’s palace, which forms about half of the old town of Split, Villa Spiza is somewhat of a hidden gem, despite being bustling most nights of the week. It doesn’t get more traditionally Croatian than at Villa Spiza, where Croatian food’s Venetian influence is as clear as ever. Produce is sourced fresh each day, the menu changes as often and dishes are served until they run out. I hope for your sake that you can snag some scampi buzara (scampi cooked in garlic, tomato, and a white wine sugo) – you’d be hard pressed to find a better version. I’d also recommend an early dinner with a small group – there’s often a wait later on in the night and space is at a premium.

This is your archetypical Croatian taverna experience – Split’s best. A five minute walk from Diocletian’s Palace, Fife is very old world, with classic Croatian cooking. It’s a go-to destination for travellers on a budget, with very reasonable prices which, put together with its large terrace overlooking a marina, mean it’s packed with tourists, particularly in the high season. So pull up a bench, enjoy some incredibly fresh Croatian fish classics, and people-watch the night away.

Widely regarded as a must-do in Split, Paradox is a modern wine bar and lounge, not far from the waterfront. With 40 seats inside and 90 on the rooftop, Paradox shines a spotlight on Dalmatian drops – this is possibly your best shot at sampling and learning more about the region’s indigenous wines. The very obliging, knowledgeable staff will answer every question effortlessly, helping you to navigate the 100-strong list, about half of which are available by the glass. Paradox also offers Croatia’s largest variety of cheese, including a number of Pag cheeses – a sheep cheese regarded as Croatia’s best, made exclusively on the island of Pag and a regular recipient of international accolades, including the world’s Best Sheep Milk Cheese at the 2017 International Cheese Awards.

Despite being a little difficult to get to, Zrno Soli – which translates to ‘grain of salt’ – is worth the effort. Located at the ACI Marina, west of the Old Town, the restaurant is set in an absolutely stunning location, looking back over the city. It has a very French-Riviera-meets-yacht-club vibe, with a modern international menu celebrating the freshest of fresh fish. It’s not a cheap day out, but if you’re going to spend it looking out over the bobbing yachts of the marina, sipping on quality wine and hand selecting your seafood in salubrious surrounds, it’s worth it.

Taking its inspiration from Barcelona’s famed market, La Boqueira, Bokeria offers Croatian-style tapas dishes as well as more substantial Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a modern, beautifully designed two-storey venue. The design is one of the best in Split and features include a mosaic tiled bar, hanging jamon, a remarkable chandelier and an Aperol wall. It feels like a café during the day and a wine bar at night, and the focus is squarely on fresh, seasonal ingredients, sourced from the nearby produce and fish markets. A popular hang-out for locals, tourists and celebs, be sure to book well in advance.